Devices for workspace illumination having a panel forming an enclosure and a plurality of light emitters with primary and secondary optics

ABSTRACT

Devices used for workspace illumination include, for example, a panel and a solid-state based optical system arranged inside an enclosure of the panel. The panel can be a cubicle divider. In one aspect, an illumination device includes a mount; a panel including a first face and a second opposing face. The panel is vertically supported by the mount along a horizontal dimension of the first and second faces. Further, the panel forms an enclosure between the first and the second face. Additionally, the illumination device includes a first luminaire module arranged in the enclosure and configured to output light in a first output angular range. The light output in the first output angular range has a prevalent propagation direction with a vertical component towards a first target area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/427,956, filed Mar. 12, 2015, which is a U.S. National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2013/059489, filed Sep. 12, 2013,which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/700,674, filed Sep. 13, 2012, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/791,436, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices used for workspaceillumination, for example illumination devices that include a panel anda solid-state based optical system arranged inside or outside anenclosure, such as an office cubicle, formed by the panel.

BACKGROUND

Light sources are used in a variety of applications, such as providinggeneral illumination and providing light for electronic displays (e.g.,LCDs). Historically, incandescent light sources have been widely usedfor general illumination purposes. Incandescent light sources producelight by heating a filament wire to a high temperature until it glows.The hot filament is protected from oxidation in the air with a glassenclosure that is filled with inert gas or evacuated. Incandescent lightsources are gradually being replaced in many applications by other typesof electric lights, such as fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps(CFL), cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), high-intensity dischargelamps, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to illumination devices configured toprovide illumination of target areas. The illumination devices can beincluded with or configured for modular attachment to partition walls,panels, dividers or other elements that can be used to outline cubicles,rooms or room-like spaces, or other spaces. The disclosed illuminationdevices are also referred to as devices for workspace illumination. Adevice for workspace illumination can include a panel and multiplelight-emitting elements (LEEs) and redirecting optics. The LEEs and theredirecting optics can be arranged inside or outside an enclosure formedby the panel. For example, the LEEs and the redirecting optics can bepart of one or more luminaire modules that are arranged in the panel orconfigured as a module for attachment to the panel. The panel can haveopposing flat surfaces that are arranged in an upright, vertical set up.

Panels of the disclosed illumination devices typically have a heightthat is less than the height of the ceiling of the space in which theyare set up. The height can vary depending on the level of privacydesired for the users of the space. For example, they can be at a heightthat allows a standing person to see into the enclosure (e.g., aboutfour to five feet tall), or may be taller, providing a privacy barrierfrom people standing nearby. The devices for workspace illumination canbe configured to provide light on one or both faces of the panels, forexample from one or more portions of a face adjacent to or remote ofedges thereof or other locations. For example, where a panel is sharedby adjacent office cubicles, the illumination device can provideillumination to both cubicles.

The disclosed illumination devices generally include redirecting opticsconfigured to manipulate light provided by the multiple LEEs. The LEEscan include LEDs, for example solid-state LEDs. In general, theredirecting optics include primary optics (e.g., parabolic, elliptical,conical optical couplers) that redirect light emitted by the LEEs tosecondary optics, which in turn output the light into a range of angles.In some implementations, the redirecting optics include one or morelight guides that guide light from the primary optics to the secondaryoptics. The components of a device for workspace illumination can beconfigured in a variety of ways to output various intensitydistributions for workspace illumination. In this manner, the device forworkspace illumination can be configured to provide direct illuminationfor a target area, such as a desk or other workspace, in the vicinity ofthe device.

In one aspect, an illumination device includes a mount; a panelincluding a first face and a second opposing face forming an enclosure,the first and second faces extending in a first direction and a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, where, when mounted to afloor, the mount supports the panel so that the first direction is avertical direction and the second direction is a horizontal direction;and a first luminaire module arranged within the enclosure andconfigured to direct light from the panel in a first output angularrange, where the light in the first output angular range has a prevalentpropagation direction with a component in the first direction towards afirst target area, where the first luminaire module includes firstlight-emitting elements (LEEs) distributed along the second direction,the first LEEs configured to emit light in a first emission angularrange; first primary optics coupled with the first LEEs and configuredto redirect light emitted by the first LEEs as redirected light in afirst collimated angular range; and a first secondary optic elongatedalong the second direction and comprising a first redirecting surfaceand a first output surface, the first redirecting surface arranged andconfigured to reflect the light received from the first primary opticsas reflected light in a first reflected angular range, and the firstoutput surface arranged and configured to transmit the reflected lightand to output the transmitted light towards the first target area.

The foregoing and other embodiments can each optionally include one ormore of the following features, alone or in combination. In someembodiments, the illumination device further includes a first lightguide elongated along the second direction and disposed between thefirst primary optic and the first secondary optic, where the first lightguide can be configured to receive the redirected light and guide atleast some of the received light along the first direction of the firstlight guide and provide the guided light at a distal end of the firstlight guide to the first secondary optic.

In some implementations, the illumination device further includes asecond luminaire module arranged in the enclosure that can be configuredto output light in a second output angular range, where the light outputin the second output angular range has a prevalent propagation directionwith a component in the first direction towards a second target area,where the second luminaire module can include second LEEs distributedalong the second direction, the second LEEs configured to emit light ina second emission angular range;

-   -   second primary optics coupled with the second LEEs that can be        configured to redirect light emitted by the second LEEs as        redirected light in a second collimated angular range; and    -   a second secondary optic elongated along the second direction        and including a second redirecting surface and a second output        surface, where the second redirecting surface can be arranged        and configured to reflect the light received from the second        primary optics as reflected light in a second reflected angular        range, and the second output surface can be arranged and        configured to transmit the reflected light and to output the        transmitted light towards the second target area.

In some implementations, the illumination device further includes asecond light guide elongated along the second direction and disposedbetween the second primary optic and the second secondary optic, wherethe second light guide can be configured to receive the redirected lightand guide at least some of the received light along the first directionand provide the guided light at a distal end of the second light guideto the second secondary optics. In some implementations, the first andsecond LEEs can be powered independently.

In some implementations, the first luminaire module can further outputlight in a second output angular range, where the light output in thesecond output angular range can have a prevalent propagation directionwith a component towards a second target area, and the first secondaryoptic of the first luminaire module further includes a secondredirecting surface and a second output surface, where the secondredirecting surface can be arranged and configured to reflect the lightreceived from the first primary optics as reflected light in a secondreflected angular range, and the second output surface can be arrangedand configured to refract the reflected light and to output therefracted light towards the second target area.

In some implementations, the first face of the panel can include a firstaperture located proximate a distal end of the panel with respect to aportion of the mount along the second direction, and where the lightthat is output by the first luminaire can pass through the firstaperture towards the first target area. In some implementations, thefirst aperture can be elongated along the second direction.

In some implementations, the second face of the panel can include asecond aperture located proximate a distal end of the panel with respectto a portion of the mount along the second direction, where the lightthat is output in the second output angular range can pass through thesecond aperture towards the second target area. In some implementations,a thickness of the panel can be smaller than each of the seconddirection and the first direction of the first and second faces.

In some implementations, the panel can be at least a portion of one of acubical wall, a desk partition, a room partition, a wall panel, or anelement of a piece of furniture. In some implementations, the firstaperture can include glass.

In some implementations, the first output angular range and the secondoutput angular range can be mirror symmetrical with respect to a planeparallel to and between the first and second faces of the panel. In someimplementations, a portion of the mount can be configured to couple toat least one element for separating spaces along the second direction.In some implementations, a portion of the mount can be configured tocouple to a top of an element for separating spaces. In someimplementations, the illumination device can be detachable from adjacentelements for separating spaces.

In another aspect, an illumination device includes a mount; a panel thatincludes a first face and a second opposing face forming an enclosure,the first and second faces extending in a first direction and a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, where, when mounted to afloor, the mount supports the panel so that the first direction is avertical direction and the second direction is a horizontal direction;and multiple luminaire modules arranged in the enclosure, each luminairemodule being configured to output light in a prevalent propagationdirection with a component towards a respective target area, where eachluminaire module includes multiple light-emitting elements (LEEs)distributed along the second direction, the multiple LEEs beingconfigured to emit light; one or more primary optics coupled with one ormore corresponding LEEs of the plurality of LEEs and configured toredirect light emitted by the one or more corresponding LEEs asredirected light; and a secondary optic elongated along the seconddirection that includes one or more redirecting surfaces and one or moreoutput surfaces corresponding to the one or more redirecting surfaces,the one or more redirecting surface being arranged and configured toreflect the light received from the one or more primary optics asreflected light towards the corresponding one or more output surfaces,and the one or more output surfaces being arranged and configured torefract the reflected light and to output the refracted light towardsthe respective target area.

The foregoing and other embodiments can each optionally include one ormore of the following features, alone or in combination. In someembodiments, at least some of the multiple luminaire modules can includea light guide elongated along the second direction and disposed betweenthe primary optic and the secondary optic, the light guide can beconfigured to receive the redirected light and guide at least some ofthe received light along the first direction of the light guide andprovide the guided light at a distal end of the light guide to thesecondary optic.

In some implementations, some luminaire modules of the multipleluminaire modules can be configured and arranged to only output lighttowards a respective target area proximate to the first face of thepanel and some luminaire modules of the multiple luminaire modules canbe arranged to only output light towards a respective target areaproximate to the second face of the panel. In some implementations, atleast some luminaire modules of the multiple luminaire modules can beconfigured and arranged to output light towards respective target areasproximate to the first and the second face of the panel. In someimplementations, the at least some luminaire modules can be configuredto output the light towards the respective target area proximate to thefirst face of the panel in an angular range with different divergenceand asymmetric prevalent propagation direction than an angular range ofthe light output towards the respective target area proximate to thesecond face of the panel.

In some implementations, power to the multiple LEEs of at least someluminaire modules of the multiple luminaire modules can be controlledindependently to independently control a light output for each of the atleast some luminaire modules. In some implementations, at least some ofthe multiple luminaire modules can be configured to output lightdownward within +/−40 degrees relative to the panel.

Among other advantages, embodiments of the illumination devices includea light source that is positioned inside or outside (e.g., coupled with)a panel and the light emitted by the light source is redirected towardsa target area. Hence, the target area is illuminated without beingexposed to direct light emission from the light source. When theillumination device is coupled with the panel via an interface (e.g.,adjustable or fixed mounts) the distance of the illumination device tothe panel can be adjusted dependent on the requirements of theapplication. Because of the targeted illumination (e.g., task light),the light power density (LPD) necessary to illuminate a target area canbe reduced. The distribution of light that is output by the illuminationdevice can be controlled to provide targeted horizontal and verticalilluminance of respective target areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a devicefor workspace illumination.

FIG. 1B shows an example of an intensity profile corresponding to thedevice for workspace illumination of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows an example of a device for workspace illuminationimplemented in adjacent office cubicles.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic representation of a luminaire module that ispart of the device for workspace illumination of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2B-2C show another example of a modular device for workspaceillumination.

FIGS. 3A-3C show aspects of an example of a luminaire module.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of adevice for workspace illumination.

FIGS. 5A-5B show aspects of another example of a luminaire module.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of adevice for workspace illumination.

FIGS. 7A-7D show various arrangements and configurations of luminairemodules of a device for workspace illumination.

Reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicateexemplary aspects of implementations of particular features of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to devices for workspace illuminationthat can be used as or in combination with partition walls, dividers orother elements that can be used to outline spaces such as cubicles,rooms or room-like spaces, or other spaces and to illuminate targetareas, e.g., floors, desks, etc., within the cubicles, rooms, etc. Adevice for workspace illumination can include a panel used to providethe partition wall or a separate housing and multiple LEEs andredirecting optics arranged in an enclosure of the panel or the housingand configured to provide illumination on one or more target areas onone side or both sides of the panel. A panel typically has a heightbelow that of the space in which it is set up. The height can varydepending on the level of privacy desired for the users of the space.The devices for workspace illumination can be configured to providelight from one or more portions of a panel face adjacent to or remote ofedges, for example a top edge, thereof or other locations. The multipleLEEs may be enclosed within the partition walls and the light isdirected to the target area via one or more optical elements.

In some implementations, the devices for workspace illumination areconfigured to allow interdependent as well as independent control ofilluminations on one side, the other side or both sides of the panel, bya user.

FIG. 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a device 100 forworkspace illumination. A Cartesian coordinate system is shown forschematic reference. The device 100 includes a panel 105 and multipleLEEs coupled with redirecting optics to direct light emitted by the LEEstowards one or more target areas.

The multiple LEEs and the redirecting optics are arranged in anenclosure 106 formed by the panel 105 and are configured to output lightin a first angular range 142, on one side of the panel 105, andoptionally output light in a second angular range 142′, on the oppositeside of the panel 105. In this example, the device 100 is supportedupright on a mount 190 (e.g., relative to the floor), with a face of thepanel 105 along the z-axis, and elongated along the y-axis,perpendicular to the page. In this manner, the device 100 can illuminatea first target area 192 (e.g. a floor) in a first space separated from asecond space by the panel 105 with light in the first angular range 142,and optionally a second target area 194 (e.g., a desk) in the secondspace with light in the second angular range 142′.

The light is output from the device 100 in the first angular range 142through a first aperture 147 (e.g., a window). Similarly, the lightoptionally output from the device 100 in the second angular range 142′can be output through a second aperture 147′ (e.g., a window). The firstand second apertures 147, 147′ can extend along the y-axis over afraction or the entire length of the panel in the y-direction and arepositioned along the z-axis to allow the output light to exit from thepanel enclosure 106 substantially unobstructed. The first and secondapertures 147, 147′ can be openings or can be covered with alight-transmissive material (e.g., glass or plastic). In the lattercase, the light-transmissive material stops dust, debris, etc. to enterthe panel enclosure 106 and to contaminate the LEEs and/or theredirecting optics or other system components, for example. Thelight-transmissive material may be transparent or may be diffuselytransmitting (e.g., homogenizing the light intensity along the length ofthe aperture).

Referring to FIG. 1B, an example light intensity distribution profile141, in x-z cross-section, includes two lobes 142 a and 142 b, whichrespectively correspond to angular ranges 142 and 142′ identified inFIG. 1A. As described in detail below, composition and geometry ofoptical components of the device 100 can be selected to vary therelative orientation, solid angle, and intensity of the light intensityprofile 141. For the example illustrated in FIG. 1B, the device 100 isconfigured to direct substantially all of the light 142 a, 142 bdownwards into a range of polar angles between about 30° and about 120°clockwise relative to the positive x axis, in the x-z cross-sectionalplane of the device 100. Generally, light intensity profile 141 can besubstantially invariant along the y-axis (perpendicular to the sectionalplane of FIG. 1A).

In some configurations, first LEEs 112 or second LEEs 112′ of the LEEsof the device 100 can be dimmed, or turned off during operation, suchthat the device 100 outputs light in lobe 142 a or 142 b to output lightsubstantially towards one or the other side of the panel 105,respectively.

In some implementations, the device 100 is configured to allowinterdependent as well as independent control of the light output in thefirst angular range 142 and in the second angular range 142′, by a user.The foregoing interdependent or independent control can be implementedby particular arrangements of the redirecting optics relative to themultiple LEEs, and by selectively turning on or off (or dimming) thefirst LEEs 112 or the second LEEs 112′ of the multiple LEEs of thedevice 100.

In some implementations, multiple correlated color temperature (CCT) orother chromaticity LEEs can be included in the device 100. Thesemultiple CCT LEEs can be controlled (e.g., certain ones of the multipleCCT LEEs may be selectively powered on/off, dimmed, etc.) to interpolatebetween the CCTs and intensity levels of the light output in the firstangular range 142, or second angular range 142′, or both angular ranges.In some implementations, the CCT corresponding to light output in thefirst and second angular ranges 142, 142′ can be modified from a bluishto a reddish CCT throughout the day to accomplish certain bioluminouseffects, for instance.

The device 100 can be configured to provide a particular light intensitydistribution on the first target area 192 and/or on the second targetarea 194, subject to given constraints. For example, the device 100 canbe configured to uniformly illuminate the first and second target areas192, 194, and to be in conformance with glare standards. In someimplementations, light output by the device 100 in any of the angularranges 142, 142′ does not exceed a glancing angle of 40° with respect tothe z-axis, for example. Such configurations of the device 100 can beimplemented by selecting appropriate combinations of device parameterssuch as (i) first and second angular ranges 142, 142′ of light output bythe device 100; (ii) distance D or D′ between the device 100 and thefirst or second target area 192 or 194 (e.g., D and/or D′=3, 6, 10 ft);(iii) height H/H′ from the first or second target area 192 or 194 to alevel of the aperture 147 or 147′ of the device 100 (e.g., H and/orH′=4, 6, 8 ft).

In some implementations, a power supply for the LEEs can be integratedwith the panel 105 (e.g., placed in the panel enclosure) of the devicefor workspace illumination. The power supply can be an electrical outletor a battery, for example. In some implementations, the power supply forthe LEEs can be included with the mount. In some implementations, thepower supply for the LEEs can be external to the device for workspaceillumination.

FIG. 1C shows an example of a device 100 for workspace illuminationimplemented in adjacent office cubicles. The device 100 separates twoadjacent office cubicles 182 and 184 and is configured to illuminate thetarget areas 194 and 192 in the respective office cubicles 182 and 184.Several devices for workspace illumination can be integrated in anoffice cubicle. In some implementations, the device for workspaceillumination can be an integral component, such as device 100, whichincludes the luminaire module(s) and the panel. In some implementations,the device for workspace illumination can be an add-on device, such asdevice 150, that can be coupled to a cubicle wall 110, for example.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of a device 200 that includes a panel205 and a luminaire module 201 arranged inside an enclosure 206 formedby the panel 205. Device 200 can be configured as a separate module forattachment to a partition wall, cubicle wall, divider or other elementfor separating spaces, as described above. A Cartesian coordinate systemis shown for reference. Here, parallel is defined to be along an axis inthe positive (+) direction of the coordinate system, and antiparallel isdefined to be along an axis in the negative (−) direction of thecoordinate system. In this example, the coordinate system is orientedrelative so that light output by the device 200 in first angular range242 (and optionally in second angular range 242′) has a prevalentpropagation direction with a non-zero component that is antiparallel tothe z-axis. As such, the device 200 can provide illumination of a firsttarget area, located on one side of the panel 205, through a firstaperture 247 (and optionally of a second target area, located on theother side of the panel 205, through a second aperture 247′.)

The luminaire module 201 includes a substrate 210 which supportsmultiple LEEs 212. The luminaire module 201 further includes primaryoptics 220, an optional light guide 230, and a secondary optic 240. Theprimary optics 220 can include one or more optical elements which couplelight from LEEs 212 to light guide 230. Examples include concentrators,such as parabolic concentrators, which reflect light towards the lightguide 230. Secondary optic 240 may include one or more reflectors whichdirect light from light guide 230, propagating substantially in thez-direction, toward apertures 247 and 247′.

The LEEs 212 emit light, during operation, in an emission angular range215 with respect to their optical axes, which can be parallel with anormal to the surface of the substrate 210 (e.g., parallel to thez-axis). For example, a divergence of the emission angular range 215 ofthe light emitted by the LEEs 212 can be 150°-180° around optical axesof the LEEs 212. The primary optics 220 receive light from the LEEs 212.Each primary optic 220 is configured to redirect the received light intoa light with a collimated angular range 225 and direct it into a firstend 231 of light guide 230.

For example, a divergence of the collimated angular range 225 (i.e., therange of solid angles in the x-z plane) of the light provided by theprimary optics 220 can be about 90° or less. The light guide 230 canguide the light to a distal end 232 of the light guide 230 away fromLEEs 212. The light guide 230 provides the guided light at the distalend 232 in an angular range 235. In some implementations, the angularrange 235 is substantially the same as the collimated angular range 225.The secondary optic 240 includes a reflective interface that reflectsthe light, which exits luminaire module 201 (indicated by arrows) withone or more angular output ranges 242, 242′. The angular output ranges242, 242′ at which light exits the secondary optic 240 can depend on theproperties of the secondary optic 240 (e.g., geometry of the opticalinterfaces and optical properties of the materials forming the secondaryoptic 240). Various implementations of the components of the luminairemodule 201 are described in detail herein.

While the device 200 includes a light guide 230, other implementationsmay not include a light guide. In such configurations, the primaryoptics 220 redirect the light with the collimated angular range 225 tothe secondary optic 240.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, the LEEs 112 can be coupled with firstredirecting optics and placed at a desired height (e.g., above or belowthe break line in the illustration of the panel 105) with respect to ahorizontal portion of the mount 190 of the panel 105 as indicated by acorresponding arrow shown in FIG. 1A. The direction of the arrowcorresponding to the LEEs 112 indicates that the LEEs 112 emit light ina first emission angular range oriented along the z-axis. Moreover, theLEEs 112 are distributed along the y-axis, over a fraction or the entirelength of the panel in the y-direction. The first redirecting optics(also are elongated along the y-axis and) include reflecting optics 144and optional refractive optics 146 arranged and configured to redirectthe light emitted by the LEEs 112 in the first emission angular rangeand to provide the redirected light as output light of the device 100 inthe angular range 142.

Optionally, the LEEs 112′ can be coupled with second redirecting opticsand placed at a desired height (e.g., above or below the break line inthe illustration of the panel 105) with respect to a horizontal portionof the mount 190 of the panel 105 as indicated by a corresponding arrowshown in FIG. 1A. The direction of the arrow corresponding to the LEEs112′ indicates that the LEEs 112′ emit light in a second emissionangular range oriented along the z-axis. Moreover, the LEEs 112′ aredistributed along the y-axis, over a fraction or the entire length ofthe panel in the y-direction. The second redirecting optics (also areelongated along the y-axis and) include reflecting optics 144′ andoptional refractive optics 146′ arranged and configured to redirect thelight emitted by the LEEs 112′ in the second emission angular range andto provide the redirected light as output light of the device 100 in theangular range 142′.

In some implementations, the LEEs 112′ and the second redirecting opticscan be arranged and configured to form a second luminaire module. Insome implementations, the LEEs 112, 112′ and the first and secondredirecting optics can be arranged and configured to form a singleluminaire module.

While the device 200 itself can be arranged to separate spaces, thedevice 200 can also be configured as a module and coupled to one or moreelements 110 for separating spaces (e.g. partition walls, cubicle walls,or dividers) as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C (e.g., as detachable snap ondevices). The device 200 includes a mount 190 and luminaire module 201to provide illumination for at least some of the separated spaces thatare defined by the elements 110 and/or the device 200. The mount 190 canbe configured to couple the device 200 to one or more elements 110 alonga horizontal dimension (e.g., 190 a, 190 a′, 190 a″) of the device 200,along a vertical dimension (e.g., 190 b, 190 b′) of the device 200, orboth. In some implementations, the mount 190 can be a frame, fasteners,hooks, brackets, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 2B shows devices 200, 200′, and 200″ coupled with three elements110. In this example, vertical portions 190 b and 190 b′ of the mountscouple the devices 200 and 200′ to the corresponding elements 110. Insome implementations, a device for workspace illumination can be placedon top of an element 110. FIG. 2C shows an example of devices 200′ and200″ that are placed on top of corresponding elements 110′ and 110. Inthis example, horizontal portions 190 a′ and 190 a″ of the respectivemounts couple the devices 200′ and 200″ to corresponding elements 110′and 110. In some implementations, devices 200 can be spaced apart fromthe element 110, for example via a fixed or adjustable mount.

The luminaire modules can vary in size and configuration. For example, aluminaire module can occupy an entire panel enclosure of a device forworkspace illumination or only a portion thereof.

In general, luminaire modules are configured to generate light of adesired chromaticity. In many applications, luminaire modules areconfigured to provide broadband white light. Broadband light can begenerated using nominally white or off-white LEEs or colored LEEs whoseemissions are mixed to provide white light. Alternatively, oradditionally, white light can be generated using a LEE configured toemit pump light (e.g., blue, violet or ultra-violet light) inconjunction with a wavelength conversion material. For example, incertain implementations, LEEs include GaN-based pump LEDs with anoverlying phosphor layer (e.g., YAG) that creates yellow, red and/orgreen components to produce white light. Such phosphor conversion LEDscan be included in different configurations in some implementations. Forexample, some implementations can include 3000 K CCT white LEEs and 2700K white LEEs that can be independently controlled to maintain a desiredCCT between about 2700 K and about 3000 K to mitigate ageing effects,drift or other effects, or to allow a user to vary the CCT within arespective CCT range.

In some implementations, luminaire modules may be configured to providecolored light (e.g., yellow, red, green, blue light). Different LEEs inthe luminaire modules and/or different luminaire modules in a device forworkspace illumination may be configured to emit nominally differentlight under operating conditions, for example yellow, red, green, blue,white or other color light.

In general, relatively energy efficient LEEs can be used. For example,LEEs can have an output efficiency of about 50 lm/W or more (e.g., about75 lm/W or more, about 100 lm/W, about 125 lm/W or more, about 150 lm/Wor more). In certain implementations, LEEs conduct current greater thanabout 350 mA (e.g., 75 mA, 100 mA, 200 mA, 400 mA or more, 450 mA ormore, 500 mA or more). LEEs may be surface mount devices.

The number of LEEs per luminaire module can vary. In someimplementations, the luminaire module can include relatively few LEEs(e.g., 10 or fewer). In some implementations, the luminaire module caninclude a large number of LEEs (e.g., 100 or more).

FIGS. 3A-3C show perspective views a luminaire module 301 configured todirect light to one side of relative to light guide 330. In thisexample, the luminaire module 301 is designed to direct light in thepositive x-direction. The luminaire module 301 includes a mount 310having a plurality of LEEs 312 distributed along the mount 310 in theydirection. The luminaire module 301 includes primary optics 320 (e.g.,optical couplers corresponding to the LEEs 312), the light guide 330,and a secondary optic 340 (e.g., an optical extractor). Light that isguided by the light guide 330 to the secondary optic 340 is firstredirected by a redirecting surface 342 and then output from the opticalextractor 340 of the luminaire module 301 through output surface 344. Amounting frame 350 and attachment brackets 352 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.3B and 3C) can be used to position and/or attach the luminaire moduleinside a panel enclosure, such as panel enclosures 106 or 206, of adevice for workspace illumination, for instance.

Further, in this example, the mount 310 holds the LEEs 312 andcorresponding optical couplers 320 that are shaped to collimate lightfrom LEEs 312 in two orthogonal planes. Depending on the implementation,the luminaire module 301 can include 6, 60, 600 or any other number ofLEEs 312 along with corresponding primary optics 320, for example. Alength of the light guide 330 along the z axis can be 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 2meter, for instance. In cross-section, both the redirecting surface 342and the output surface 344 of the secondary optics 340 can be concave(as viewed in the direction of propagation of light) in shape. Theoutput surface 344 can have a constant or varying radius of curvature;like considerations apply to the curvature of the redirecting surface342. In general, various geometries (shapes, compositions, etc.) of theprimary and secondary optics can be used to tailor an (orientation anddivergence of the) angular range of the light output by the luminairemodule 301.

A luminaire module 301 can be used in a device for workspaceillumination, such as devices 100 or 200, to output light from thedevice in one of a first or second angular range.

Two or more luminaire modules 301 can be used in the device forworkspace illumination, such as devices 100 or 200, when light is outputfrom the device in both, a first angular range and a second angularrange. In this case, a first of the two or more luminaire modules can beoriented in a panel enclosure such that light output by the firstluminaire module in the first angular range has a component parallel tothe x-axis, and a second of the two or more luminaire modules is backingthe first luminaire module in the panel enclosure such that light outputby the second luminaire module in the second angular range has acomponent antiparallel to the x-axis.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a device400 for workspace illumination that includes two or more luminairemodules 401 and 401′, such as luminaire modules 301 and 301′ asdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3C. In this example, the twoor more luminaire modules 401, 401′ are arranged in a panel enclosure406.

A Cartesian coordinate system is shown for schematic reference. In thisexample, the coordinate system is oriented relative to the device 400such that the device 400 as well as the two or more luminaire modules401, 401′ therein are elongated along the y-axis, and light output bythe device 400 in first angular range 442 (and optionally in secondangular range 442′) has a prevalent propagation direction with anon-zero component that is antiparallel to the z-axis. As such, thedevice 400 can provide illumination of a first target area 492, locatedon one side of the panel 405 (e.g., through a first aperture) andoptionally of a second target area 494, located on the other side of thepanel 405 (e.g., through a second aperture.) Generally, the first (orsecond) target area is spaced apart from the device 400.

The first/second luminaire module 401/401′ includes one or morefirst/second LEEs 412/412′ coupled with corresponding primary optics.The first/second luminaire module 401/401′ also includes a first/secondlight guide 430/430′ and a first/second secondary optic 440/440′. Alength of the first/second light guide 430/430′ along the z-axis canextend through most of the height of the panel 405 (e.g., from the levelof the aperture(s) to a horizontal portion of the mount 190), or througha fraction of the height of the panel 405 (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%.) Assuch, the first/second LEEs 412/412′of the first/second luminaire module401/401′ are represented in FIG. 4 by arrows corresponding to the LEEs412/412′, such that the direction of the corresponding arrows indicatesthat the first/second LEEs 412/412′ emit light in a first/secondemission angular range oriented along the z-axis.

In some implementations, both luminaire modules 401, 401′ are includedin the panel enclosure 406 of the device 400. Here, first and secondangular ranges 442, 442′ have different general orientations (in thedirections of +/− x-axis, respectively). In some implementations,respective geometries of the primary and secondary optics of theluminaire modules 401, 401′ can be selected such that the first andsecond angular ranges 442, 442′ have different divergences andasymmetric prevalent propagation directions, for various illuminationtasks on the two opposite sides of the device 400.

In some implementations, the respective geometries of the primary andsecondary optics of the luminaire modules 401, 401′ can be selected suchthat first and second angular ranges 442, 442′ have equal divergencesbut asymmetric prevalent propagation directions, or differentdivergences but symmetric prevalent propagation directions, for variousillumination tasks that are different on the two opposite sides of thedevice 400.

In some implementations, the respective geometries of the primary andsecondary optics of the luminaire modules 401, 401′ can be selected suchthat first and second angular ranges 442, 442′ have equal divergencesand symmetric prevalent propagation directions, for various illuminationtasks that are similar on the two opposite sides of the device 400. Insuch cases, identical luminaire modules 401, 401′ may be included in thepanel enclosure 406 of the device 400, for instance.

In general, the geometric shape and dimensions of each of the two ormore luminaire modules 401 and 401′ can be similar or different (e.g.,different size) to provide a desired illumination pattern for thecorresponding target areas.

Further, in implementations that include both luminaire modules 401,401′ as illustrated in FIG. 4, the respective first and second LEEs 412,412′ can be powered independently. Thus, interdependent as well asindependent control of light output by the device 400 in the firstangular range 442 and in the second angular range 442′ can be performed.The interdependent or independent control can be implemented byselectively turning on or off (or dimming) the first LEEs 412 of thefirst luminaire module 401 and/or the second LEEs 412′ of the secondluminaire module 401′ of the device 400.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a luminaire module501 configured to direct light to both sides of its light guide 530. Theluminaire module 501 can be combined with a panel (not illustrated inFIG. 5A) and employed in a device for workspace illumination. ACartesian coordinate system is shown for schematic reference. In thisexample, the coordinate system is oriented relative to the luminairemodule 501 such that the luminaire module 501 is elongated along they-axis, and light output by the luminaire module 501 in first and secondangular ranges 542, 542′ has a prevalent propagation direction with anon-zero component that is antiparallel to the z-axis.

The luminaire module 501 includes a mount 510 and multiple LEEs 512. Themount 510 supports a substrate 511 onto which the LEEs are arranged.FIG. 5B shows a top view of the substrate 511 and a subset of themultiple LEEs 512 distributed along the y-axis. The luminaire module 501includes primary optics 520 (e.g., optical couplers corresponding to theLEEs 512), the light guide 530, and a secondary optic 540 (e.g., anoptical extractor). Light that is guided by the light guide 530 in acollimated angular range 525 to the secondary optic 540 is redirected bya first portion 546 of a redirecting surface and then output from theoptical extractor 540 of the luminaire module 501 through a first outputsurface 544. The light received at the secondary optic 540 in thecollimated angular range 525 also is redirected by a second portion 546′of the redirecting surface and then output from the optical extractor540 of the luminaire module 501 through a second output surface 544′. Amounting frame and attachment brackets can be used to position/attachthe luminaire module 501 in a panel enclosure to provide a device forworkspace illumination, for instance.

Further in this example, the mount 510 also supports a heat sink 507coupled with the substrate 511. The heat sink 507 is configured toextract heat from the LEEs 512 held by the substrate 511. The luminairemodule 501 can include 6, 60, 600 or other number of LEEs 512, forinstance. A length of the light guide 530 along the z axis can be 0.1,0.5, 1, or 2 meter, for instance. In the cross-section view of FIG. 5A,both portions 546, 546′ of the redirecting surface are planar, and bothoutput surfaces 544, 544′ are concave (as viewed in the direction ofpropagation of light) in shape. In other implementations, both portions546, 546′ of the redirecting surface and the corresponding outputsurfaces 544, 544′ are concave and/or convex. In general, variousgeometries (shapes, compositions, etc.) of the primary and secondaryoptics can be used to separately tailor the (orientation and divergenceof the) angular ranges 542, 542′ of the light output by the luminairemodule 501.

The luminaire module 501 can be used to provide light from a device forworkspace illumination in both the first angular range and in the secondangular range.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of adevice 600 for workspace illumination that includes a luminaire module601, such as a module 501 as described in connection with FIGS. 5A-5B.The luminaire module 601 is arranged in the panel enclosure 606.

A Cartesian coordinate system is shown for schematic reference. In thisexample, the coordinate system is oriented relative to the device 600such that the device 600 as well as the luminaire module 601 therein areelongated along the y-axis, and light output by the device 600 in firstand second angular ranges 642, 642′ has a prevalent propagationdirection with a non-zero component that is antiparallel to the z-axis.As such, the device 600 can provide illumination of a first target area692, located on one side of the panel 605 (e.g., through a firstaperture) and of a second target area 694, located on the other side ofthe panel 605 (e.g., through a second aperture.) Generally, the firstand second target areas are spaced apart from the device 600.

The luminaire module 601 includes multiple LEEs 612 that are coupledwith corresponding primary optics. The luminaire module 601 alsoincludes a light guide 630 and a secondary optic 640. A length of thelight guide 630 along the z-axis can extend through most of the heightof the panel 605 (e.g., from the level of the apertures to a horizontalportion of the mount 190), or through a fraction of the height of thepanel 605, e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%. As such, the LEEs 612 of the luminairemodule 601 are represented in FIG. 6 by an arrow corresponding to LEEs612, such that the direction of the corresponding arrow indicates thatan emission angular range of the LEEs 612 is oriented along the z-axis.

In some implementations, geometries of the primary optics and thesecondary optic of the luminaire module 601 can be selected such thatthe first and second angular ranges 642, 642′ have different divergencesand asymmetric prevalent propagation directions, for variousillumination tasks on the two opposite sides of the device 600. In someimplementations, the respective geometries of the primary and secondaryoptics of the luminaire module 601 can be selected such that first andsecond angular ranges 642, 642′ have equal divergences but asymmetricprevalent propagation directions, or different divergences but symmetricprevalent propagation directions, for various illumination tasks thatare different on the two opposite sides of the device 600. In someimplementations, the respective geometries of the primary and secondaryoptics of the luminaire module 601 can be selected such that first andsecond angular ranges 642, 642′ have equal divergences and symmetricprevalent propagation directions, for various illumination tasks thatare similar on the two opposite sides of the device 600. In such cases,the luminaire module 601 can have mirror symmetry in the x-zcross-section with respect to the y-z plane, for instance.

As described herein, a single luminaire module or multiple luminairemodules can be placed in a panel enclosure to provide a desiredillumination pattern of one or more target areas. FIGS. 7A-7D showvarious arrangements and configurations of luminaire modules 301 and 501as described above within example devices for workspace illumination.

For example, FIG. 7A shows multiple luminaire modules 301 inside a panel705. The luminaire modules can be arranged to output light towards thesame or opposite side of the panel 705. FIG. 7B shows a combination of aluminaire module 501 and a luminaire module 301 inside the panel 705.The luminaire module outputs light towards both sides of the panel 705and the luminaire module outputs light towards one side of the panel705. FIG. 7C shows multiple luminaire modules 501 inside the panel 705.The luminaire modules 501 output light towards both sides of the panel705. FIG. 7D shows multiple pairs of luminaire modules 301 inside thepanel 705. Each pair of the luminaire modules 301 outputs light towardsboth sides of the panel 705. The light output of each luminaire module301 can be controlled independently to provide, for example, a desiredintensity and/or spectral distribution for each target areaindependently.

Properties of a luminaire module, such as luminaire modules 301 and 501,can be tailored to provide extraction profiles desirable for specificlighting applications. It is noted that the angular ranges may bedefined relative to one or more directions or planes, for example thez-axis, a plane perpendicular to x or other direction whether parallel,perpendicular or oblique to axes of the Cartesian coordinate system. Ingeneral, the components of luminaire modules are arranged to redirectlight emitted from the LEEs away from the LEEs before the light isoutput into the ambient environment. The spatial separation of the placeof generation of the light, also referred to as the physical (light)source, from the place of extraction of the light, also referred to asthe virtual light source or virtual filament, can facilitate design ofthe luminaire modules.

For example, in some implementations, the virtual light source/filamentcan be configured to provide substantially non-isotropic light emissionwith respect to planes parallel to an optical axis of the luminairemodules (for example the z-axis.) In contrast, a typical incandescentfilament generally emits substantially isotropically distributed amountsof light. The virtual light source may be viewed as one or more portionsof space from which substantial amounts of light appear to emanate.Furthermore, separating the LEEs, with their predetermined optical,thermal, electrical and mechanical constraints, from the place of lightextraction, may facilitate a greater degree of design freedom of theoptical system of the illumination modules and allows for an extendedoptical path, which can permit a predetermined level of light mixingbefore light is output from the luminaire modules.

In general, corresponding variety of different LEEs can be used for theluminaire modules. The LEEs may be, for example, light-emitting diodes(LEDs) (e.g., organic or inorganic LEDs) or other solid state lightemitting devices, such as diode lasers.

In general, the luminaire module can be configured to generate light ofa desired chromaticity. In many applications, luminaire modules areconfigured to provide broadband light. Broadband light can be generatedusing nominally white or off-white LEEs or colored LEEs whose emissionsare mixed to provide white light. In some implementations, white lightcan be generated using an LEE configured to emit pump light (e.g., blue,violet or ultra-violet light) in conjunction with a wavelengthconversion material. For example, in certain implementations, LEEsinclude GaN-based pump LEDs with an overlying phosphor layer (e.g., YAG)that creates yellow, red and/or green components to produce white light.

In some implementations, the luminaire modules can be configured toprovide colored light (e.g., yellow, red, green, blue light). DifferentLEEs in the luminaire modules can be configured to emit nominallydifferent light under operating conditions, for example yellow, red,green, blue, white or other color light.

In general, relatively energy efficient LEEs can be used. For example,LEEs can have an output efficiency of about 50 lm/W or more (e.g., about75 lm/W or more, about 100 lm/W, about 125 lm/W or more, about 150 lm/Wor more). In certain implementations, LEEs conduct current greater thanabout 350 mA (e.g., 400 mA or more, 450 mA or more, 500 mA or more).LEEs may be surface mount devices.

The number of LEEs in a luminaire module can vary. In someimplementations, the luminaire module can include relatively few LEEs(e.g., 10 or fewer). In some implementations, the luminaire module caninclude a large number of LEEs (e.g., 100 or more). Generally, theluminaire module includes between 4 and 100 LEEs.

Each of the optical couplers can be configured to receive light from oneor more of the LEEs through an entrance aperture of the optical coupler.In implementations that feature multiple optical couplers, the opticalcouplers may be integrally formed. Each optical coupler can beconfigured to provide a predetermined amount of light at an exitaperture of the optical coupler. For this purpose, each optical coupleris optically coupled with the corresponding LEEs and the light guide.Adjacent optical couplers may be optically isolated or optically coupledto control cross talk and/or collimation of light or other functions inone or more planes parallel to the optical axes of the optical couplersor in other directions.

The optical couplers can be configured to allow coupling of apredetermined amount of light from one or more of the LEEs into theoptical couplers and a predetermined amount of that light is provided atthe exit apertures of the optical couplers. Each optical coupler can beconfigured to transform light as it interacts with the optical couplerbetween the entrance aperture and the exit aperture. Suchtransformations, also referred to as conditioning, may be regarded astransformations of the phase space of light including collimation oflight (e.g. causing a reduction of the divergence of the coupled light)or other transformations, and/or preservation of etendue, light fluxand/or other parameters, for example.

In some implementations, the optical couplers are configured to providelight with predetermined properties to control light losses in othercomponents of the illumination device, including one or more of thelight guide, extractor or other components of the luminaire module. Forexample, the optical couplers can be configured so that substantiallyall light provided thereby can propagate through the light guide to theoptical extractor, has less than a predetermined divergence, is injectedinto the light guide at suitable angles relative to the opticalinterfaces of the light guide or has other properties.

Optical couplers can include one or more optical elements includingnon-imaging dielectric TIR concentrators, such as CPC (compoundparabolic concentrators), CECs (compound elliptical concentrators), CHC(compound hyperbolic concentrators), tapered or untapered portions,light pipes, segmented concentrators, other geometry concentrators, oneor more lenses or other optical elements, for example. In someimplementations, optical couplers and LEEs are integrally formed as asingle component.

The illumination module may include a number of optical couplers withthe same or different configuration. Optical couplers may have equal ordifferent profiles or cross sections in different directions. In someimplementations, optical couplers may have varying configurationsdepending on their location within a cluster or group of opticalcouplers. For example, optical couplers proximate the ends of anelongate illumination device may be configured with properties differentfrom those of optical couplers near the center of the illuminationdevice. Like considerations may apply in implementations in which theoptical couplers are disposed in clusters proximate an optical axis. Forexample, optical couplers proximate the periphery of a cluster may beconfigured with properties different from those proximate the opticalaxis. An optical coupler may have rotationally symmetric and/orasymmetric cross sections, for example it may have parabolic,elliptical, circular, hyperbolic, triangular, square, rectangular,hexagonal or other regular or irregular polygonal or other crosssections.

A portion or all of the optical coupler may be made of a solidtransparent body configured to propagate light internally and solely,partially or not at all, depending on whether a specular reflectivecoating is employed on the outside of the solid transparent body, relyon TIR, or may be configured to provide a through hole that is partiallyor fully reflectively coated on one or more optical surfaces. Likeconsideration may apply to the light guide, the optical extractors orother components of the illumination device, for example. Depending onthe implementation, one or more optical couplers may be configured ashollow, reflectively coated non-imaging optical couplers. One or more ofthe optical couplers may include a dielectric collimating opticconfigured to provide a predetermined collimation angle. The collimationangle may be determined by the length and/or shape of respectivesurfaces of the optical coupler, for example. An optical coupler may beconfigured to provide substantially equal collimation about an opticalaxis in rotationally symmetrical configurations or may provide differentcollimation in different directions with respect to an optical plane ofthe optical coupler and/or other component of the illumination device,for example.

In general, light guide can have a regular or irregular prismatic,cylindrical, cuboid or other shape and include one or more light guideelements. Light-guide elements may be arranged in a line or a clusterthat may or may not allow light to transmit between light-guideelements. Light-guide elements may be arranged in parallel with onelight-guide element for each coupler. Such configurations may beintegrally formed. Multiple light-guide elements may be arranged in acluster, the light-guide elements of the cluster coupling light into oneor more extractors. Multiple light-guide elements may be disposedabutting one another or placed apart at predetermined distances. Thelight guide and/or one or more light-guide elements may be integrallyformed, modularly configured, arranged and/or durably disposed via asuitably configured interconnect system during manufacture,installation, servicing or other event.

The light guide and/or one or more light-guide elements may beconfigured to have one or more substantially reflective surfacesdefining one or more mantles that extend from a first end to a secondend of the light guide for enclosing and enabling optical confinementproximate an optical axis or optical plane along which the light guidecan guide light with below predetermined light losses. One or moresurfaces of the mantle may be substantially parallel, tapered orotherwise arranged. Such surfaces may be substantially flat or curved.Generally, the light guide can have elongate or non-elongate crosssection with respect to an axes or planes of the illumination device.Non-elongate light-guides may be rotationally or otherwise symmetricabout an optical axis.

The light guide is configured to guide light from the one or moreoptical couplers via its optical surfaces, by total internal reflection(TIR) and/or specular reflection. Mixing of the light in the light-guideelements may be achieved in part by the shape of the optical surfaces.The light guide may be configured to intermix light from differentdirect LEEs. In some implementations, the light guide is configured tomix light and to provide light with a predetermined uniformity in colorand/or illuminance to the optical extractor.

In some implementations, the light guide has a hollow configurationhaving reflective optical surfaces on its inside that transmit lightalong the length of the hollow with predetermined light-loss properties.The reflectivity of the reflective optical surfaces may originate fromor be enhanced by reflective coatings, films, layers or other reflectiveaids. The composition of and manner in which such reflective coatingsmay be disposed and/or manufactured would be readily known by a personskilled in the art.

Optical extractor is disposed at an end of the light guide opposite theoptical coupler and includes one or more reflective interfaces that areconfigured to redirect light from the light guide outward away from theoptical axis of the light guide towards and through one or morelight-exit surfaces of the optical extractor into the ambient. Dependingon the implementation, the directions of propagation of the output lightmay be parallel, antiparallel and/or oblique, that is backward and/orforward, with respect to the optical axis of the light guide.

The optical extractor may be configured to output one or more beams oflight with predetermined intensity distributions (i.e., into specificranges of solid angles). For example, different intensity distributionsmay be provided via different light-exit surfaces, for example on eitherside of an elongate optical extractor. The optical extractor and/or oneor more portions thereof from which light appears to emanate underoperating conditions may be referred to as a virtual light source.Depending on the implementations, the virtual light source can have anelongate or non-elongate configuration. The one or more beams may besymmetric or asymmetric with respect to the luminaire module. Anon-elongate configuration may have rotational symmetry about an opticalaxis. The intensity distributions or one or more portions thereof may beconfigured to limit glare by limiting direct downward lighting topredetermined levels, for example.

In some implementations, the intensity distribution of the opticalextractor, at least in part, may be determined by the configuration anddisposition of the reflective interfaces relative to the light-exitsurfaces of the optical extractor. The optical extractor may include oneor more reflective interfaces having one or more flat or curved shapesincluding parabolic, hyperbolic, circular, elliptical or other shapes.In certain implementations, the optical extractor includes one or morereflective coatings to redirect light and provide a desired emissionpattern. The reflective interface may have a linear, convex, concave,hyperbolic, linear segmented or other cross section shaped as aplurality of potentially disjoint, piecewise differentiable curves, inorder to achieve a predetermined emission pattern.

In general, the optical extractor may provide symmetrical orasymmetrical beam distributions with respect to an optical axis oroptical plane thereof. In elongate implementations the cross sections ofreflective interfaces and/or light-exit surfaces may change along anelongate extension thereof. Such variations may be stepwise orcontinuous. For instance, the reflective interface of the opticalextractor may have a first cross section shaped as a plurality ofpotentially disjoint, piecewise differentiable first curves, and asecond cross section at a different location along the elongateextension of the reflective interface, such that the second crosssection is shaped as a different plurality of potentially disjoint,piecewise differentiable second curves.

In certain implementations, the reflective optical interfaces may have asymmetrical or asymmetrical v-shaped or other cross section. A v-shapedcross section may also be referred to as a v-groove in elongateimplementations or a conical cavity in non-elongate implementations. Asused herein, the term “v-groove” refers to the v-shaped cross-sectionthrough the reflective optical interfaces, but does not require that theoptical extractor include an actual groove. For example, in someimplementations, the optical extractor includes two portions of solidmaterial that meet at a v-shaped interface. Such an interface is alsoreferred to as a v-groove. Depending on the implementation, a v-groovemay have substantially equal cross section along a length of the opticalextractor or it may vary depending on the position along the elongateextension. The first apex formed by such v-shaped reflective interfacesmay be generally directed towards the light guide. In addition, thesides forming the v-groove may have linear cross-sections, or may benon-linear (e.g., curved or faceted). Moreover, the first apex of thereflective optical interfaces can be a rounded vertex (or apex) with anon-zero radius of curvature.

Generally, the optical extractor can be integrally or modularly formedwith the light guide. The optical extractor may be formed of one or morematerials equal, similar or dissimilar to that of the light guide andinclude one or more different materials. Depending on theimplementation, the optical extractor may be configured to redirectlight via TIR, specular and/or diffuse reflection, for example, via adielectric or metallic mirror surface, refraction and/or otherwise. Theoptical extractor may include one or more coatings including one or morefilms of suitable dielectric, metallic, wavelength conversion materialor other material. Depending on the implementation, a modularly formedoptical extractor and light guide may include or be interconnected withsuitable connectors for durable interconnection and optionalregistration during manufacture, assembly, service or other event.Different modular optical extractors may have different configurationsto provide different lighting properties. To improve optical and/ormechanical performance, a coupling between the optical extractor and thelight guide may be established by employing one or more suitablytransparent compounds with predetermined refractive indices. Suchcompounds may include at least initially fluid substances such assilicone or other curable or non-curable substances. Such substances mayprovide an adhesive function.

Each of the light-exit surfaces and/or the reflective interfaces of theoptical extractor may include one or more segments, each having apredetermined shape including convex, concave, planar or other shape.Shapes of the light-exit surface and/or the reflective interfaces can bedetermined to provide predetermined levels of light extraction via theoptical extractor and to limit light losses due to back reflectionand/or absorption of light within the optical extractor.

The term “optical axis” is used herein to refer to an imaginary linethat defines a path along or proximate which light propagates. Anoptical axis may correlate with one or more axes or planes of symmetryof components of an optical system or apparatus. A plurality of opticalaxes that refer to a planar or non-planar notional surface may bereferred to herein as an optical plane. The term “rotational symmetry”is used herein, as the case may be, to refer to invariance underdiscrete or continuous rotation.

The term “light-emitting element” (LEE), also referred to as a lightemitter, is used to define any device that emits radiation in one ormore regions of the electromagnetic spectrum from among the visibleregion, the infrared region and/or the ultraviolet region, whenactivated. Activation of an LEE can be achieved by applying a potentialdifference across components of the LEE or passing a current throughcomponents of the LEE, for example. A light-emitting element can havemonochromatic, quasi-monochromatic, polychromatic or broadband spectralemission characteristics. Examples of light-emitting elements includesemiconductor, organic, polymer/polymeric light-emitting diodes (e.g.,organic light-emitting diodes, OLEDs), other monochromatic,quasi-monochromatic or other light-emitting elements. Furthermore, theterm light-emitting element is used to refer to the specific device thatemits the radiation, for example a LED die, and can equally be used torefer to a combination of the specific device that emits the radiation(e.g., a LED die) together with a housing or package within which thespecific device or devices are placed. Examples of light emittingelements include also lasers and more specifically semiconductor lasers,such as vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and edgeemitting lasers. Further examples include superluminescent diodes andother superluminescent devices.

The term “light-converting material” (LCM), also referred to as“wavelength-conversion material,” is used herein to define a materialthat absorbs photons according to a first spectral distribution andemits photons according to a second spectral distribution. The termslight conversion, wavelength conversion and/or color conversion are usedaccordingly. Light-converting material may be referred to asphotoluminescent or color-converting material, for example.Light-converting materials may include photoluminescent substances,fluorescent substances, phosphors, quantum dots, semiconductor-basedoptical converters, or the like. Light-converting materials may includerare earth or other materials including, for example, Ce, Yt, Te, Eu andother rare earth elements, Ce:YAG, TAG, nitride, oxynitride, silicate,CdSe quantum dot material, AlInGaP quantum dot material. As used herein,an LCM is typically configured to generate longer wavelength light frompump light such as visible light or ultraviolet pump light, for example.Different LCM may have different first and/or second spectraldistributions.

As used herein, the term “optical interface” refers to the interfacebetween two media having different optical properties. Examples ofoptical interfaces include a surface of an optical element (i.e., theinterface between the medium forming the optical element and the ambientatmosphere), the interface between adjacent optical elements, and theinterface between an optical element and a coating disposed on theelements surface.

As used herein, the term “optical power” (also referred to as dioptricpower, refractive power, focusing power, or convergence power) is thedegree to which a lens, mirror, or other optical system converges ordiverges light.

As used herein, providing light in an “angular range” refers toproviding light that propagates in a prevalent direction and has adivergence with respect to the prevalent direction. In this context, theterm “prevalent direction of propagation” refers to a direction alongwhich a portion of an intensity distribution of the propagating lighthas a maximum. For example, the prevalent direction of propagationassociated with the angular range can be an orientation of a lobe of theintensity distribution. Also in this context, the term “divergence”refers to a solid angle outside of which the intensity distribution ofthe propagating light drops below a predefined fraction of a maximum ofthe intensity distribution. For example, the divergence associated withthe angular range can be the angular width of the lobe of the intensitydistribution. The predefined fraction can be 10%, 5%, 1%, or othervalues, depending on the lighting application.

An angular range may include (i) a divergence of the angular range and(ii) a prevalent direction of propagation of light in the angular range,where the prevalent direction of propagation corresponds to a directionalong which a portion of an emitted light intensity distribution has amaximum, and the divergence corresponds to a solid angle outside ofwhich the intensity distribution drops below a predefined fraction ofthe maximum of the intensity distribution. E.g., the predefined fractionis 5%.

The terms “collimation” and “collimate” are used herein to refer to thedegree of alignment of rays of light or the act of increasing suchalignment including the reduction of divergence of the propagationdirections of a plurality of light rays, also referred to as a beam oflight, or simply light.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this technology belongs.

The preceding figures and accompanying description illustrate examplemethods, systems and devices for illumination. It will be understoodthat these methods, systems, and devices are for illustration purposesonly and that the described or similar techniques may be performed atany appropriate time, including concurrently, individually, or incombination. In addition, many of the steps in these processes may takeplace simultaneously, concurrently, and/or in different orders than asshown. Moreover, the described methods/devices may use additionalsteps/parts, fewer steps/parts, and/or different steps/parts, as long asthe methods/devices remain appropriate.

In other words, although this disclosure has been described in terms ofcertain aspects or implementations and generally associated methods,alterations and permutations of these aspects or implementations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above descriptionof example implementations does not define or constrain this disclosure.Further implementations are described in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illumination device comprising: a mount; apanel comprising a first face and a second opposing face forming anenclosure, the first and second faces extending in a first direction anda second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein, whenmounted to a floor, the mount supports the panel so that the firstdirection is a vertical direction and the second direction is ahorizontal direction; and a luminaire module arranged in the enclosure,the luminaire module configured and arranged to output light towardsrespective target areas proximate to the first and the second face ofthe panel, the luminaire module comprising: a plurality oflight-emitting elements (LEEs) distributed along the second direction,the plurality of LEEs being configured to emit light; one or moreprimary optics coupled with one or more corresponding LEEs of theplurality of LEEs and configured to redirect light emitted by the one ormore corresponding LEEs as redirected light; and a secondary opticelongated along the second direction and comprising two redirectingsurfaces and two output surfaces corresponding to the respectiveredirecting surfaces, each of the two redirecting surfaces beingarranged and configured to reflect the light received from the one ormore primary optics as reflected light towards the corresponding outputsurface, and the corresponding output surface being arranged andconfigured to refract the reflected light and to output the refractedlight towards the respective target area.
 2. The illumination device ofclaim 1, wherein the luminaire module is configured to output the lighttowards the respective target area proximate to the first face of thepanel in an angular range with different divergence and asymmetricprevalent propagation direction than an angular range of the lightoutput towards the respective target area proximate to the second faceof the panel.
 3. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein theluminaire module is configured to output light downward within +/−40degrees relative to the panel.
 4. The illumination device of claim 1,wherein the luminaire module further comprises a light guide elongatedalong the second direction and disposed between the one or more primaryoptics and the secondary optic, the light guide configured to receivethe redirected light and guide at least some of the received light alongthe first direction and provide the guided light at a distal end of thelight guide to the secondary optic.
 5. The illumination device of claim1, wherein the first face of the panel has a first aperture locatedproximate a distal end of the panel with respect to a portion of themount along the second direction, and wherein the light that is outputby the luminaire module towards the one of the target areas proximate tothe first face of the panel passes through the first aperture, and thesecond face of the panel has a second aperture located proximate thedistal end of the panel, wherein the light that is output by theluminaire module towards the one of the target areas proximate to thesecond face of the panel passes through the second aperture.
 6. Theillumination device of claim 5, wherein each of the first aperture andthe second aperture is elongated along the second direction.
 7. Theillumination device of claim 5, wherein at least one of the firstaperture and the second aperture comprises glass.
 8. The illuminationdevice of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the panel is smaller than eachof the second direction and the first direction of the first and secondfaces.
 9. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the panel is atleast a portion of one of a cubical wall, a desk partition, a roompartition, a wall panel, or an element of a piece of furniture.
 10. Theillumination device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the mount isconfigured to couple to the panel along the second direction.
 11. Theillumination device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the mount isconfigured to couple to a top of the panel.
 12. The illumination deviceof claim 11, wherein the illumination device is detachable from thepanel.